Palo Alto Police Seek Public’s Help In Home Invasion Robbery

Police sketch of a suspect in a home invasion robbery in Palo Alto on January 23, 2014. The suspect is described as a man in his 20s standing 6' tall, weighing 180 pounds, unshaven, wearing a dark sweatshirt. He was last seen in a "boxy" light-colored sedan with two other suspects. (Palo Alto Police)

Police sketch of a suspect in a home invasion robbery in Palo Alto on January 23, 2014. The suspect is described as a man in his 20s standing 6' tall, weighing 180 pounds, unshaven, wearing a dark sweatshirt. He was last seen in a "boxy" light-colored sedan with two other suspects. (Palo Alto Police)

PALO ALTO (KCBS) – At a community meeting on Tuesday night, Palo Alto police tried to assuage the concerns of residents, as they said solving a recent home invasion robbery remains a priority for the department.

The unsolved home invasion robbery occurred on January 23, when three men forced their way into a home on Palo Alto Avenue, taking valuables from two residents in their 80s at gunpoint. The violent crime has many in the city on edge.

Police said the primary suspect is described as an African American man standing 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and was unshaven during the robbery. The other two suspects are also African American men, both standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighing about 160 pounds. They were both also wearing dark hooded sweatshirts with their hoods up, and one was carrying a small black handgun. All three men are believed to be in their 20s.

Palo Alto police Lt. Zach Perron said it’s important for residents to be aware of their surroundings and to not be afraid to speak up.

“We want you to call us, that’s what we’re here for,” he said. “We’re by no means unique. Every police department wants tips from their community.”

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